Large carnivores as hosts of Leptospira spp. in Poland

Leptospirosis is a re-emerging zoonosis caused by Leptospira spp., which has extended its geographic range. Moreover, recent investigations highlight new host-pathogen interactions involved in Leptospira epidemiology. The main hosts of Leptospira spp. are rodents. However, a role of other wildlife species has recently been acknowledged but remains unclear. Thus, we investigated the presence of Leptospira spp. in wild terrestrial carnivores. Kidney, bladder, urine, and blood samples were obtained from 70 individuals of four species: grey wolf (Canis lupus), Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx), European wildcat (Felis silvestris), and brown bear (Ursus arctos). Samples were tested by real-time PCR and serogroup-specific antibody detection for the presence of Leptospira spp. Positive PCR results were obtained for six individuals: one European wildcat, two Eurasian lynx, and three grey wolves. No Leptospira spp. were found in brown bear. In addition, multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was performed, determining ST24 in three samples (two grey wolves, and one European wildcat) and ST115/ST117 in one sample (Eurasian lynx). Serologically positive results were obtained for five individuals: three grey wolves, one European wildcat, and one Eurasian lynx, with Australis being the predominant serogroup. This is the first genetic evidence and genotype determination of Leptospira spp. in the two wild felid species European wildcat and Eurasian lynx. Our study indicates that wild terrestrial carnivores can be hosts for Leptospira spp. and therefore might play a role in transmitting this zoonosis.